In reality, I wasn't prepared for marriage. No one told me that it would be just as tricky as it was easy. The easy part is loving Ryan. Our hysterical fits of laughter, our pillow talk, raising our kids, genuinely liking one another and being very close friends makes marriage a breeze. However, lifelong partnership isn't constantly or consistently magical or wonderful. There are moments in this chosen union that things get real (insert any synonym for difficult here). And if we approach our relationships realistically, this makes a lot of sense. How can we ever grow and learn in life and relationships if we aren't faced with adversity? What I have learned during my 5 years of being partnered is: with the highs come the lows. And through the thick of low moments, lessons are birthed for higher learning of not only ourselves but our loved ones.

Yesterday we witnessed our friends get married, and as they were saying their vows to one another, I was reminded of the many reasons why I choose to stand in love. I was reminded of how love is a choice and if both parties are active, intentional, and present in that love, things can and will thrive.